This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is the kind of crowd-pleasing comfort food that turns any morning into a celebration. Imagine layers of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese, all crowned with perfectly crisp tater tots—each bite is rich, satisfying, and just a little bit indulgent. It’s the ultimate way to feed a house full of hungry friends or family, and because you can prep it ahead, mornings suddenly get a whole lot easier. If you’re searching for a hearty, warming dish that brings everyone to the table, this is it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole brings something special to the table. Each component contributes a crave-worthy flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, or a beautiful pop of color, making this a breakfast you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
- Breakfast sausage: Adds a flavorful and savory base—swap for bacon or ham if you crave something different.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets throughout the casserole and gives it that irresistible golden finish.
- Large eggs: The star binder—these make the casserole light, fluffy, and incredibly satisfying.
- Whole milk: Keeps the eggs smooth and soft while adding a touch of richness.
- Heavy cream: Takes the casserole up a notch with velvety texture and luxurious flavor.
- Salt: Enhances every other flavor—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Adds just enough mild, savory warmth to let the other elements shine.
- Garlic powder: Brings a subtle depth that makes the sausage and cheese pop.
- Onion powder: Lends a gentle, sweet savoriness that rounds everything out.
- Frozen tater tots: The crispy crown! These bake up golden and delicious on top, giving every slice the perfect crunch.
- Sliced green onions (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish to brighten each serving and add a gentle oniony bite.
How to Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot and ready when you are. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray; this ensures easy serving and helps everything crisp up on the edges.
Step 2: Cook the Breakfast Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium and cook the sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat—you want the savory flavor without extra grease weighing down your casserole.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole Base
Spread the cooked, crumbly sausage evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top with 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese for the dreamiest melt later on.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This rich, seasoned mixture will hold your casserole together and soak into every layer for mega flavor.
Step 5: Pour and Top with Tater Tots
Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese in the baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top—it’s okay if some overlap slightly. These tots will crisp up and become the casserole’s signature golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs are set and the tater tots are crunchy and golden-brown. Sprinkle over the remaining cheddar cheese and let it melt for the final 5 minutes in the oven.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Scatter fresh green onions over the top, if you like—they add color and zing. Serve up hearty squares while it’s piping hot and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle on a handful of thinly sliced green onions just before serving. If you want extra flair, try chopped parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of hot sauce to give each slice its own personality.
Side Dishes
This casserole is plenty hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp mixed fruit salad or a simple green salad for balance. Warm, flaky biscuits or buttery toast round out the brunch table and make it feel truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is perfect served in big, family-style squares, but you can also bake it in individual ramekins for a personal touch or cut into small bites for a party platter. It’s also a hit at potlucks, easily transported right in its original dish—just slice and let everyone help themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any remaining casserole cool to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making busy mornings delightfully easy.
Freezing
For longer storage, cut the cooled casserole into portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and freeze in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Perfect for those times you crave a homemade breakfast without the fuss!
Reheating
To reheat, just pop a slice or two in the microwave for a minute or two until heated through, or rewarm the whole casserole (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. The oven method keeps the tater tots crispier, so it’s worth the extra few minutes!
FAQs
Can I assemble Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it overnight. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time the next morning for a stress-free, make-ahead breakfast.
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Brunch
Definitely! Swap the breakfast sausage for cooked bacon or diced ham, or even make a vegetarian version by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers instead of meat.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Check that the eggs are set and no longer jiggly in the center, and that the tater tots are golden and crisp. If you insert a knife in the middle, it should come out mostly clean with just a hint of melted cheese.
Is it okay to use low-fat milk or cheese?
You can use low-fat versions if you like, but the casserole will be a bit less rich and creamy. Whole milk and regular cheddar give the best flavor and texture, but feel free to make it your own!
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Yes! Just use two 9×13-inch dishes and double all the ingredients accordingly. Bake them side by side for the same amount of time—perfect for parties or big holiday breakfasts!
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole the next time you want to delight a hungry crowd or make your morning shine. It’s easy, endlessly customizable, and always a hit—one of those dishes that feels like an instant tradition from the very first bite. Happy brunching!
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Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish perfect for weekend brunch or a special breakfast. Layers of crispy tater tots, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese come together for a satisfying meal that will please the whole family.
Ingredients
Sausage Layer:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Additional:
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook sausage: In a skillet, cook breakfast sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat and spread sausage in the baking dish.
- Add layers: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese over the sausage. Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder; pour over the sausage and cheese.
- Arrange tater tots: Place tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until set. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake for 5 more minutes. Garnish with green onions.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight.
- Bacon or ham can be used instead of sausage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
